Jaguars Special Teams Coach Retires

Published 8:00 pm, Wednesday, January 30, 2002

Jacksonville Jaguars special teams coordinator Frank Gansz retired Thursday after 24 years coaching in the NFL.

Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin will fill Gansz's spot on the coaching staff with John Bonamego, who has worked as Jacksonville's assistant special teams coach the last three years.

But replacing Gansz? That will be hard to accomplish.

The 63-year-old coach was often the most fired-up guy on the field during practices, and his enthusiasm was heard by all. Over the last few years of his career, he barked orders through a wireless microphone. He said he used it so he wouldn't tax his voice by yelling too loudly.

Before coming to Jacksonville, Gansz coached special teams with the St. Louis Rams for three seasons.

"Frank Gansz leaves the game as one of the best special teams coaches in football," Coughlin said. "He has long had a reputation as an excellent teacher and communicator, and I appreciate the energy and professionalism he brought with him when he joined our staff."

In all, Gansz coached for 37 years, including stints at Army, Navy and Air Force. He moved to the NFL in 1978 as an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers.

He was head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1987-88. The Chiefs went 8-22-1 during those two seasons.

Now Playing:

"I enjoyed my time here _ the players, the Jacksonville area, and the whole program," Gansz said. "But it's time for me to step away from football."